Therapists in Bellingham, WA
Ryan Tolman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I hope you aren't too overwhelmed looking for a therapist. It took me months to find my first counselor as an adult, but it was worth it! I specialized in seeing adults with PTSD and trauma issues. Please know that there is hope to feel better. I'm a regular guy, a nerd, a Dad, an athlete (Jiu Jitsu), socially awkward, and I love Wes Anderson movies and Star Wars. It's fine to ask for help, we all need a hand once in a while.
Welcome! I hope you aren't too overwhelmed looking for a therapist. It took me months to find my first counselor as an adult, but it was worth it! I specialized in seeing adults with PTSD and trauma issues. Please know that there is hope to feel better. I'm a regular guy, a nerd, a Dad, an athlete (Jiu Jitsu), socially awkward, and I love Wes Anderson movies and Star Wars. It's fine to ask for help, we all need a hand once in a while.
Sarah Matsuura
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98229
My goal as a therapist is to provide collaborative and holistic care to each individual I serve with compassion and dignity. As each individual has their own unique story, I recognize that there are several approaches to healing based on individual needs and preferences. I will actively work with you to identify the best approach(es) to support you in your recovery. My mission as a therapist is to provide a safe, trusting space that allows you as the client to feel comfortable, heard, and able to foster growth as an individual.
My goal as a therapist is to provide collaborative and holistic care to each individual I serve with compassion and dignity. As each individual has their own unique story, I recognize that there are several approaches to healing based on individual needs and preferences. I will actively work with you to identify the best approach(es) to support you in your recovery. My mission as a therapist is to provide a safe, trusting space that allows you as the client to feel comfortable, heard, and able to foster growth as an individual.
Cindy Watson
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
Cindy Watson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 11+ years of experience in the mental health field. Cindy is passionate about helping individuals, families, and couples find the coping skills and tools that they need to find the happiness and peace that they so desperately want and deserve. Her goal is to help them turn the stumbling blocks they have come against into the stepping stones that lead them across the muck. Cindy specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. When it comes to relationships and family situations, Cindy is very knowledgeable both personally and professionally.
Cindy Watson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 11+ years of experience in the mental health field. Cindy is passionate about helping individuals, families, and couples find the coping skills and tools that they need to find the happiness and peace that they so desperately want and deserve. Her goal is to help them turn the stumbling blocks they have come against into the stepping stones that lead them across the muck. Cindy specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. When it comes to relationships and family situations, Cindy is very knowledgeable both personally and professionally.
Jake Blondheim
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
Not accepting new clients
Not Currently Accepting New Clients - Therapy can be a space for us to engage with not only our immediate problems, but what inevitably lies beneath. I think of it as a space for mutual trust and willingness to show up in service of understanding ourselves. It can be in some ways not the easy path as our tendencies to avoid, control or pursue are deeply part of us. When we make the choice to explore an alternative approach to life as we know it, opportunity can show itself.
Not Currently Accepting New Clients - Therapy can be a space for us to engage with not only our immediate problems, but what inevitably lies beneath. I think of it as a space for mutual trust and willingness to show up in service of understanding ourselves. It can be in some ways not the easy path as our tendencies to avoid, control or pursue are deeply part of us. When we make the choice to explore an alternative approach to life as we know it, opportunity can show itself.
Bonnie Marie Shanser
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
In holding the Eastern-based philosophy that sees every human as inherently whole and brilliantly sane, I believe that every pain we carry--at its source--shares the wisdom of how to heal it. Supporting you in connecting more directly to your experience, to inhabit your body, and compassionately navigate the sometimes complex layers of this space can allow for reintegration of parts of yourself you may have lost connection to. In reconciliation of one's whole being--there is often a naming and reclaiming of our lived experience that needs to happen for greater alignment to occur within ourselves and within our relationships.
In holding the Eastern-based philosophy that sees every human as inherently whole and brilliantly sane, I believe that every pain we carry--at its source--shares the wisdom of how to heal it. Supporting you in connecting more directly to your experience, to inhabit your body, and compassionately navigate the sometimes complex layers of this space can allow for reintegration of parts of yourself you may have lost connection to. In reconciliation of one's whole being--there is often a naming and reclaiming of our lived experience that needs to happen for greater alignment to occur within ourselves and within our relationships.
Accent Counseling
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Congratulations on taking the first step toward self improvement! I know the thought of seeking counseling and therapy can seem daunting and scary, and I commend your efforts. People seek counseling for many reasons, sometimes feeling "stuck" or "lost" in their lives, and not knowing which way to turn. Sometimes we just don't trust ourselves, or others, and begin thinking, "Is this what my life will always be like?"
Congratulations on taking the first step toward self improvement! I know the thought of seeking counseling and therapy can seem daunting and scary, and I commend your efforts. People seek counseling for many reasons, sometimes feeling "stuck" or "lost" in their lives, and not knowing which way to turn. Sometimes we just don't trust ourselves, or others, and begin thinking, "Is this what my life will always be like?"
Natosha Scheenstra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I provide Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Family Psychotherapy. I treat OCD, Anxiety, Trauma, and Other Related Disorders, including Co-Occurring Conditions. It takes courage to reach out for help. Are you experiencing spirals of doubt? Do you constantly live with uncertainty? Do you avoid, seek reassurance, or mentally ruminate? Do you get stuck in a worry loop? Are you reliving trauma reminders? Are you burdened by intrusive thoughts? I know that your thoughts do not represent who you are and I want you to know that you are not alone. Your fears, thoughts, and experiences are safe in this space.
I provide Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Family Psychotherapy. I treat OCD, Anxiety, Trauma, and Other Related Disorders, including Co-Occurring Conditions. It takes courage to reach out for help. Are you experiencing spirals of doubt? Do you constantly live with uncertainty? Do you avoid, seek reassurance, or mentally ruminate? Do you get stuck in a worry loop? Are you reliving trauma reminders? Are you burdened by intrusive thoughts? I know that your thoughts do not represent who you are and I want you to know that you are not alone. Your fears, thoughts, and experiences are safe in this space.
Aaron Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
I specialize in working with children and teens ages 2-18 for defiance, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, child abuse, grief and loss and life adjustments. I provide highly effective research based counseling in a warm and inviting environment. I offer practical strategies and activities to help children, teens and families meet their goals and improve their lives. Modalities used include Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Triple P Parenting, Play Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Activities.
I specialize in working with children and teens ages 2-18 for defiance, trauma, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, child abuse, grief and loss and life adjustments. I provide highly effective research based counseling in a warm and inviting environment. I offer practical strategies and activities to help children, teens and families meet their goals and improve their lives. Modalities used include Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Triple P Parenting, Play Therapy, and Therapeutic Art Activities.
Wendy Blum
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
I love working with ALL kinds of people who are seeking change. Are you curious about how to make changes in your life but feel stuck? Are you ADHD or wondering if you might be? Does procrastination, time, hyper sensitivity, emotions, self esteem or anxiety derail you? Are you the parent/partner/sibling of someone with ADHD? Exploring your mind can be helpful when you have new tools, a sense of humor and a whole lot of compassion to navigate the journey. Do you want to learn more about yourself and understand your world through a different lens, ADHD or not? Are you ready to create deep, real and lasting change in your life?
I love working with ALL kinds of people who are seeking change. Are you curious about how to make changes in your life but feel stuck? Are you ADHD or wondering if you might be? Does procrastination, time, hyper sensitivity, emotions, self esteem or anxiety derail you? Are you the parent/partner/sibling of someone with ADHD? Exploring your mind can be helpful when you have new tools, a sense of humor and a whole lot of compassion to navigate the journey. Do you want to learn more about yourself and understand your world through a different lens, ADHD or not? Are you ready to create deep, real and lasting change in your life?
Kat David
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
I see myself as a companion on this journey toward healing. With seven years of experience working with folks of many backgrounds and challenges, I feel passionate about working with clients who struggle with shame, belonging and finding out more of who they are. Client who are challenged with maintaining hope in a world of oppressive systems, and folks who are curious about their spirituality often find themselves supported in my space as well.
I see myself as a companion on this journey toward healing. With seven years of experience working with folks of many backgrounds and challenges, I feel passionate about working with clients who struggle with shame, belonging and finding out more of who they are. Client who are challenged with maintaining hope in a world of oppressive systems, and folks who are curious about their spirituality often find themselves supported in my space as well.
Vermeda Fred
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MFA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
Whenever you think of talking with someone, thoroughly explaining everything from how you feel today, or how you have felt for years, or to the choices you are facing, or how your body and sense of yourself alters things, and you wonder, how do I find that "right" person to talk to? You have found them. Adolescent or adult, individual or a couple, call me for a free consultation, and let's see where to go from here!
Whenever you think of talking with someone, thoroughly explaining everything from how you feel today, or how you have felt for years, or to the choices you are facing, or how your body and sense of yourself alters things, and you wonder, how do I find that "right" person to talk to? You have found them. Adolescent or adult, individual or a couple, call me for a free consultation, and let's see where to go from here!
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Johanna Stulting
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients! Offering telehealth. Counseling is an opportunity to hear and connect with yourself more clearly and closely. You hold the deepest knowledge of yourself, your experience, and how to address whatever it is that feels painful or puzzling. I am committed to listening with care and curiosity. With permission, I will offer tools, strategies or perspectives to support growth or change but my primary commitment is to offer companionship on your exploration of your inner terrain and experience of the world.
Accepting new clients! Offering telehealth. Counseling is an opportunity to hear and connect with yourself more clearly and closely. You hold the deepest knowledge of yourself, your experience, and how to address whatever it is that feels painful or puzzling. I am committed to listening with care and curiosity. With permission, I will offer tools, strategies or perspectives to support growth or change but my primary commitment is to offer companionship on your exploration of your inner terrain and experience of the world.
Katie Nickol
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Difficult life events or trauma may have shaped your past. Whether you are experiencing mood instability or anxiety, life transitions, or grief and loss of a loved one, you are not alone. I offer a kind, compassionate and nonjudgmental space to support people through hard times and self-exploration. Together we will identify what you want and need in your life, right now.
Difficult life events or trauma may have shaped your past. Whether you are experiencing mood instability or anxiety, life transitions, or grief and loss of a loved one, you are not alone. I offer a kind, compassionate and nonjudgmental space to support people through hard times and self-exploration. Together we will identify what you want and need in your life, right now.
Christine Phelan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CMHS, MHP, MA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98227
Not accepting new clients
I love to work with people who are actively seeking support for gaining clarity in any areas of stress or discomfort. It is personally fulfilling to help these clients as they work through life's issues. I provide a compassionate atmosphere that supports individual and family exploration of areas of concern; from mood, anxiety, and behavior concerns, to: family, work, school, performance, relationship dynamics. Your own desire for happiness, courage and wisdom will be recognized and nourished.
I love to work with people who are actively seeking support for gaining clarity in any areas of stress or discomfort. It is personally fulfilling to help these clients as they work through life's issues. I provide a compassionate atmosphere that supports individual and family exploration of areas of concern; from mood, anxiety, and behavior concerns, to: family, work, school, performance, relationship dynamics. Your own desire for happiness, courage and wisdom will be recognized and nourished.
Svetlana Kovalenko
Counselor, MA, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98225
Living a fulfilled and thriving life may feel so far away for you. Life situations that happen in or out of your control have brought you to where you are today. My passion is empowering individuals with identity development, self-esteem, self-awareness, resiliency to build that fulfilled and thriving life! I enjoy working with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stressors in life transitions, spiritual issues, loss, and grief as well as relational conflict. It is my goal to create a safe, nonjudgmental place for you to open up and find the healing that you seek.
Living a fulfilled and thriving life may feel so far away for you. Life situations that happen in or out of your control have brought you to where you are today. My passion is empowering individuals with identity development, self-esteem, self-awareness, resiliency to build that fulfilled and thriving life! I enjoy working with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stressors in life transitions, spiritual issues, loss, and grief as well as relational conflict. It is my goal to create a safe, nonjudgmental place for you to open up and find the healing that you seek.
Dr. Sybil McLean
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98226
Accepting New Clients w/ Immediate Availability! The clients I have worked with have various reasons for wanting to get better, so we then define "better." What I have observed is that people truly get better when they make a strong positive connection with a therapist & are given a safe space to feel seen, heard, & understood. I provide just that & encourage you to reach out to start by us having a conversation! Also, given the limited amount of space I have here to talk about myself I invite you to learn more about me & my work by clicking on "My website" located below my office address in the "My Practice at a Glance" section.
Accepting New Clients w/ Immediate Availability! The clients I have worked with have various reasons for wanting to get better, so we then define "better." What I have observed is that people truly get better when they make a strong positive connection with a therapist & are given a safe space to feel seen, heard, & understood. I provide just that & encourage you to reach out to start by us having a conversation! Also, given the limited amount of space I have here to talk about myself I invite you to learn more about me & my work by clicking on "My website" located below my office address in the "My Practice at a Glance" section.
Golden Circle Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98227
At Golden Circle Counseling, we believe unconditional positive regard in a therapeutic relationship can be a meaningful pathway for healing. Our goal as clinicians is to provide compassionate, empathetic care through holistic mental health practices which seek to honor and affirm the client's value of culture and beliefs. Our belief is that a successful outcome begins with authentic, respectful and empathetic relationships between client and counselor as the key for effective, healing treatment.
At Golden Circle Counseling, we believe unconditional positive regard in a therapeutic relationship can be a meaningful pathway for healing. Our goal as clinicians is to provide compassionate, empathetic care through holistic mental health practices which seek to honor and affirm the client's value of culture and beliefs. Our belief is that a successful outcome begins with authentic, respectful and empathetic relationships between client and counselor as the key for effective, healing treatment.
Rives Whittle Thornton
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Gaia Wellness Center offers counseling for presenting issues and challenges that individuals, relationships, and families are experiencing. Please contact us today to see how we might be helpful to you.
Gaia Wellness Center offers counseling for presenting issues and challenges that individuals, relationships, and families are experiencing. Please contact us today to see how we might be helpful to you.
David Goldman
Counselor, MS CMHC, MAEd, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98225
David works with clients to understand challenges, to develop specific goals, and to promote wellness using a variety of tools from therapeutic modalities including empathetic Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). David draws from experience working with individuals and families as an educator, birth doula, Guardian ad Litem, mediator, and counselor. David is also approved by WA State to complete DVIT Domestic Violence Assessments and Treatment.
David works with clients to understand challenges, to develop specific goals, and to promote wellness using a variety of tools from therapeutic modalities including empathetic Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). David draws from experience working with individuals and families as an educator, birth doula, Guardian ad Litem, mediator, and counselor. David is also approved by WA State to complete DVIT Domestic Violence Assessments and Treatment.
Amy Prieb
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CMHS
Verified Verified
Bellingham, WA 98226
The quality of our personal relationships is one of the most important things in life. Relationships of all types--romantic, parental, friends, co-workers, etc.-- have the capacity for both tremendous joy and tremendous aggravation and heartache. My speciality is working with couples to help improve romantic relationships. Humans were created to be in relationship with one another and whether I am working with an individual, a couple or a larger family unit, the client's ability to maintain healthy relationships with family and loved ones is a primary focus.
The quality of our personal relationships is one of the most important things in life. Relationships of all types--romantic, parental, friends, co-workers, etc.-- have the capacity for both tremendous joy and tremendous aggravation and heartache. My speciality is working with couples to help improve romantic relationships. Humans were created to be in relationship with one another and whether I am working with an individual, a couple or a larger family unit, the client's ability to maintain healthy relationships with family and loved ones is a primary focus.
See more therapy options for Bellingham
Nearby Searches for Bellingham
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How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bellingham, WA
500+
Average cost per session
$150
Therapists in Bellingham, WA who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
79% | Relationship Issues |
79% | Self Esteem |
77% | Stress |
76% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Premera |
63% | Aetna |
60% | Regence |
How Therapists in Bellingham, WA see their clients
60% | In Person and Online | |
40% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
78% | Female | |
17% | Male | |
5% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bellingham?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.